Centre Clarifies New Aravalli Definition: Mining Only, Real Estate Exempt
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{ "title": "Centre Clarifies New Aravalli Definition: Mining Only, Real Estate Exempt", "article": "The Union environment minister, Bhupender Yadav, has clarified that the Centre's new definition of the Aravalli hills will only apply to mining activities, excluding real estate and development projects. This move has sparked criticism from environmentalists and opposition parties, who fear it will lead to the exploitation of the fragile range. The new definition, accepted by the Supreme Court, defines landforms rising at least 100 metres above the local relief as Aravalli hills. However, the government claims that this definition applies to only 0.19% of the Aravalli area, and that mining is banned in the National Capital Region (NCR), which includes Delhi and surrounding areas. The Aravalli hills, India's oldest fold-mountain range, cover a 700km stretch and are critical to the region's ecosystem. They serve as a natural boundary to the Thar desert, provide green cover, and are home to a diverse range of native vegetation and wildlife. Yadav argued that the Supreme Court has ordered against allowing fresh mining leases in the Aravalli area, except for critical strategic and atomic minerals. He also pointed out that large swathes of the hills have been designated as reserves or wildlife sanctuaries, where mining will not be allowed. The Centre's defence came as activists and opposition leaders criticized the move, with senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot calling for a judicial probe into the matter. The issue is set to be taken up by the Supreme Court, with an advocate writing to the Chief Justice of India to clarify the definitional framework of the Aravalli hills. "
